International Freight Fowarding
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Choosing a Freight Forwarder
Added: September 2008 - Author: David Hall

If you are planning import or export operations, and would prefer not to manage the logistics by yourself, you can engage a Freight Forwarder. Professionalism is essential and customers need assurances of capability and integrity. A good place to start is through the British International Freight Association (BIFA). Members must comply with strict criteria including operating under the Association’s standard trading conditions, carry sufficient liability insurance to meet obligations and agree to adoption of a Code of Conduct.

Freight forwarders offer a wide range of expertise and services including:-

Advice at an early stage regarding payment terms, packing and warehousing,
transport and route selection.

Through overseas partnerships they can provide detailed local knowledge
of the rules and regulations that your business must comply with.

Advice with UK customs regulations, providing insurance, assistance
with letters of credit, bills of lading and other documentation.

Arranging and operating multi-modal transport systems - using several
different transport methods for a shipment as required.

Logistics and supply chain management and inventory management.
Providing reports as required.

Their experience in international trade and services they offer are
wide ranging - just ask.

Make sure you choose a Freight Forwarder who suits your needs.

Questions to consider include:

• Do they have experience transporting your type of goods?
• Are they experienced in shipping to the countries you are considering?
• Are they well represented in the territory you are trading in?
• If you need a multi-modal solution, can they handle this?

You need to establish your working relationship

Be clear exactly what you expect of the forwarder

Use INCOTERMS at all times

Request and give agreements, instructions and pricing in writing.

Keep your forwarder fully informed and expect this to be reciprocal
 

Careful selection will provide you with an excellent partner to help you in all aspects of your international trade activities.

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